It’s official! Ronda Rousey has agreed to terms with the WWE to perform for the company as a full-time wrestler. She made her first nationally televised appearance during the first ever women’s Royal Rumble. Rousey came out to her infamous UFC walkout song “Bad Reputation” by Joann Jetts. Joining the event winner Asuka, along with RAW Women’s champion, Alexa Bliss, and SmackDown Women’s champion, Charlotte Flair.
In an interview with ESPN’s Ramone Shelburne, she discusses her decision to join the WWE saying, “This is my life now. First priority on my timeline for the next several years. This is not a smash-and-grab; this is not a publicity stunt. When I first met with Triple H, I told him, ‘There are other things I can do with my time that’ll make way more money, but I won’t enjoy nearly as much.”
So what’s the next move for the kickass superstar and what can she bring to the WWE? Well, she probably won’t make another appearance until after February when she’s done with her “Mile 22” movie. This is perfect timing, as it allows her to come into the league with a clean slate. By not competing in the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble, it keeps her from looking unready, out of place, or weak if she would have lost, while also preventing any backlash and/or criticism if she would have won and, essentially, stole the title from another woman who’s worked for that title.
The biggest detail from this story is that Rousey will be on a full-time contract. It was speculated that she would serve a similar part-time role for the women’s division like Brock Lesnar does for men. He is considered a prizefighter who appears in the biggest events or as a fill-in to boost ratings, so he’s only needed to appear/compete for couple times a year. Although it is unlikely Rousey will be a regular pro, fighting night in and night out, it is expected she will be on the circuit more often than not, appearing on pay-per-view, Smackdown and RAW.
It’s rumored she could see her first action at WrestleMania 34 in April. She’d be paired with The Rock in a match against Triple H and Charlotte Flair, with ratings anticipated to skyrocket. Ronda Rousey hasn’t declared she’s done with the UFC just yet, but it seems that she’s taking this opportunity with WWE very seriously and it will be very fun to watch.
